Mogen we je man even lenen? : en andere kleine komedies over seksuele verhoudingen

I had not read any of Greene's short fiction before this book. These stories are as advertised, except that the "comedies" of the title seems to be meant sardonically.

What is cowardice in the young is wisdom in the old, but all the same one can be ashamed of wisdom.

4.5 stars. This was a necessary return. If I felt younger at present, this collection would've spared me its wrench. Who are my favorites anymore, aside from Dylan? As to authors, my grasp remains

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firm around Balzac and Grass. Greene speaks to the faded but civilized self that keeps buggering along. These are stories of nostalgia and regret. The hapless find destiny and mumble as it passes them by. Greene made happy if wistful here. I do regard him as a master. There are reckless steps and then a measured glimpse. There's a salty sniff of locale -- most of the stories occur in the south of France, a powerful one in Jamaica.

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